Where should I spend the majority of my 10 day vacation? (I have already bought a ticket to fly into Paris and out of Rome).
Should I spend more time in Paris or get to Italy sooner?

Where in Italy? One city or traveling about? I have been to Rome and Venice so can speak about those incredible places. I'd go back to either in a flash. Great fun, amazing architecture, and kind, kind people who speak English.

You could easliy spend 2 weeks just in either Paris or Rome and not see enough. Having no idea of your particular interest, I'll tentatively suggest 4 days in Paris and then 6 days in Rome to make the most of your limited time.

Paris has tons to offer, but Rome is larger still. Again, no matter what you do, you'll need to return to both places to do them justice.

Welcome to Fodors Travel Talk!

At the risk of turning our backs on you... common sense says that you really have to make this decision yourself based on what factors motivated you to choose those two cities (for your air travel) in the first place. Any answer - - 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, or 1:9 is perfectly defensible.

Did you ever study (or want to learn) any French or Italian? History, art or architecture? of what time period(s)? Have any family roots from either country? Feel an affinity for the food(s) or wine(s) of either country? Plan to shop a lot? or a little? for fashion? for your home?

You need book<u><b>s</b></u>. Big ones. Preferably big coffee-table size books with lots of pictures. Read them from cover to cover, just like a novel. The biggest ones you can devour in the next week or so (when is this trip?) - - and then once you have some leanings... come back here and enhance this initial posting (which you can find again easily... just click on your own name... upper left hand corner) and add more info and more questions.

Almost certainly, it will make the most sense for you to fly between the two ities. Se www.whichbudget.com for low cost intra-Europe air travel options.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

In 10 days, I would limit my travel to 2 cities. Therefore, I would spend five days in Paris, one day travelling between the two and four days in Rome. I agree with Rex that only you can make the decision. Depending on your motivation to see Paris and Rome, you may want to reverse the two and spend 4 in Paris and 5 in Rome. Good luck in your planning.

Since the tickets are bought, and that's already two cities... I say the decision is made. 5 days Paris, 1 day train travel, 4 days Rome.

(I put the &quot;extra&quot; day on the arrival city because I am assuming jet lag.)